The Detroit Lions won’t be playing postseason football this year, which means the focus in Motown has officially shifted to the offseason-and it’s shaping up to be a busy one. With 20 players set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, the front office has some serious decisions to make as they look to retool the roster while keeping their core intact.
This isn’t a teardown. The Lions have built a strong foundation over the past few seasons, and while the playoff miss stings, it doesn’t erase the progress.
But with a chunk of the roster potentially walking out the door, depth and continuity will be tested. The new league year kicks off on March 11 at 4 p.m.
ET, when free agency officially opens and contracts can be signed. Teams can begin contacting agents of unrestricted free agents starting March 9 at noon.
Let’s break down who’s headed for free agency, what it means for Detroit, and where the biggest decisions lie.
Unrestricted Free Agents
These are the players free to sign with any team once the new league year begins. Several key contributors are on this list, and their potential departures could leave real holes on both sides of the ball.
DT DJ Reader
Reader was a major presence in the middle of the defensive line, anchoring the run defense and bringing veteran leadership. His ability to eat up blocks and control the interior won’t be easy to replace if the Lions can’t bring him back.
LB Alex Anzalone
A vocal leader and tone-setter for the defense, Anzalone has been a steady presence in the linebacker corps. His experience and versatility will make him a valuable target in free agency-whether that’s in Detroit or elsewhere.
WR Kalif Raymond
Raymond has carved out a niche as a reliable third or fourth option in the passing game and a dangerous return man. His speed and special teams value could keep him in the Lions’ plans moving forward.
CB Amik Robertson
Robertson brought toughness to the secondary and saw meaningful snaps this season. He’s not a lockdown corner, but he’s a scrappy defender with starting experience-something every team needs.
DL Levi Onwuzurike
Onwuzurike’s career has been hampered by injuries, but when healthy, he’s shown flashes of the disruptive interior lineman the Lions hoped for when they drafted him. The question is whether Detroit sees enough upside to bring him back.
DT Roy Lopez
Lopez provided rotational depth on the defensive line. He’s the kind of player who might return on a team-friendly deal to keep the trenches stocked.
DE Marcus Davenport
Davenport is a classic high-upside, low-floor player.
Injuries and inconsistency have followed him, but the physical tools are there. He’s a gamble for any team looking for pass rush help-and Detroit will have to decide if he’s worth another roll of the dice.
DE Josh Paschal
Paschal is a homegrown player who’s flashed in spurts.
He’s not a star, but he’s a solid rotational edge rusher who knows the system. That could be enough to earn him another contract.
LB Grant Stuard
Primarily a special teams contributor, Stuard brings energy and effort every snap. He’s the kind of glue guy coaches love, even if he’s not a regular on defense.
S Daniel Thomas
Thomas added depth in the secondary and helped out on special teams. He’s a low-cost option who could stick around, depending on how Detroit reshapes the safety room.
S Avonte Maddox
Maddox has experience at both safety and slot corner, which gives him value in today’s matchup-heavy league. If he stays healthy, he could be a versatile piece in the defensive backfield.
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
Muhammad provided depth off the edge but wasn’t a major factor. He’s a veteran presence who could return as insurance if the Lions don’t find younger options.
G Kayode Awosika
Awosika served as a backup on the offensive line. With the importance of O-line depth in today’s NFL, don’t be surprised if Detroit looks to keep him around.
QB Kyle Allen
Allen filled the role of backup quarterback, a job that’s often thankless until it becomes critical. The Lions may look to upgrade, but Allen could return as a steady veteran presence in the QB room.
LB Zach Cunningham
Cunningham has starting experience and logged meaningful snaps this year. He’s a solid, if unspectacular, option in the middle of the defense.
LB Ezekiel Turner
Turner’s main value has been on special teams, and that could be enough to earn him another shot in camp.
CB Rock Ya-Sin
Ya-Sin has bounced around the league, but he brings physicality and starting experience at corner. If the Lions want veteran insurance in the secondary, he’s a candidate.
TE Shane Zylstra
Zylstra has contributed in the red zone in past seasons, though injuries have slowed him down. With Detroit’s tight end room in flux, he’s a name to watch.
OT Jemarco Jones
Jones offers depth on the offensive line, but he’ll likely need to compete for a roster spot if he returns.
LB Malcolm Rodriguez
Rodriguez is a fan favorite and one of the more intriguing names on this list.
He’s been a spark plug on defense and special teams, and his development has been a bright spot. Expect Detroit to make a strong push to keep him.
Restricted Free Agents
Restricted free agents (RFAs) have three accrued seasons and an expired contract. They can negotiate with other teams, but Detroit can match any offer if they extend a qualifying tender.
DE Tyrus Wheat
Wheat saw limited action but showed some promise. The Lions could bring him back on a low-cost tender to see if he can take the next step.
LB Trevor Nowaske
Nowaske is another developmental player who could return to compete for a depth role. He’s not a lock, but he’s in the mix.
Exclusive Rights Free Agent
Exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs) have fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If the team offers a one-year deal at the league minimum, the player can’t negotiate with anyone else.
K Jake Bates
Bates is the lone ERFA on the list. If the Lions want to keep him-and there’s a good chance they do-it’s as simple as offering him the minimum deal.
Final Thoughts
The Lions have some real work ahead of them. With 20 unrestricted free agents and several more under team-controlled statuses, this offseason is about more than just splashy signings-it’s about maintaining the culture and continuity they’ve built. The decisions Brad Holmes and the front office make over the next few months will shape not just the 2026 roster, but the trajectory of a team that’s been knocking on the door of sustained success.
The core is strong. But depth wins in the NFL. And this offseason, the Lions will be tested on how well they can rebuild the middle and bottom of their roster without losing the identity that’s made them one of the league’s grittiest, most compelling teams to watch.